September 20, 2016 — The following was released by the NEFMC:
The New England Fishery Management Council today by acclimation elected Dr. John F. Quinn of Massachusetts and E. F. “Terry” Stockwell III of Maine to serve respectively as chairman and vice chairman in the year ahead. The two have led the Council since 2014 but reversed roles this year. Stockwell said he wanted to participate more freely in discussions and vote on motions, especially on issues important to his home state. The Council chair serves as a neutral leader and does not vote except to break a tie.
Quinn said he was ready to take on the top position and thanked the Council for its support.
“I’m honored that the Council has put its trust in me,” Quinn said. “We have some significant challenges ahead. I’m glad Terry will be by my side as vice chair to help guide us along. We’re both committed to working closely with industry and all of our stakeholders to ensure that our actions are transparent and carried out as collaboratively as possible.”
Stockwell added, “I really appreciate John’s willingness to step up as chair. We’re wrestling with many issues right now that are critically important to the state of Maine. I need the ability to fully air the state’s position and serve as a voting member. I’m pleased to be vice chair. This way I can continue to help John and the Executive Committee carry out Council business.”
Quinn directs the Public Interest Law Program and External Partnerships at the University of Massachusetts School of Law – Dartmouth. In July, he was bestowed with the school’s 2016 “Chancellor’s Award Recognizing Excellence in Service.” Stockwell is Director of External Affairs at the Maine Department of Marine Resources (DMR) and serves on the Council as DMR Commissioner Pat Keliher’s designee.
Quinn and Stockwell will serve on the Council’s Executive Committee in their ex officio capacities as chair and vice chair. The Council also elected Doug Grout of New Hampshire, Peter Kendall of New Hampshire, and Terry Alexander of Maine to round out the team. The five-member Executive Committee develops policy for Council consideration and provides guidance on administrative, financial, and personnel matters.
The Council held this annual election of officers on the first day of its Sept. 20-22 meeting in Danvers, Massachusetts, where it also welcomed two new members.
Mark Godfroy of New Hampshire is the owner and captain of two party boats — the Lady Tracey Ann II and the Lady Courtney Alexa — that operate out of Seabrook, New Hampshire as part of the fleet at Eastman’s Docks. He was appointed to the state’s obligatory seat, replacing Ellen Goethel.
Richard Bellavance Jr. of Rhode Island, the owner/operator of Priority Charters, LLC, a charter fishing business located in Point Judith, was appointed to the at-large seat previously held by Frank Blount of Rhode Island.
Dr. Michael Sissenwine was reappointed to serve a second, three-year term on the Council. New appointments took effect Aug. 11.